Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday released to their owners nine cows, which were seized because the herdsmen contravened the Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing Law.
The cows were seized by operatives of Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshalls (EGEM), a body cracking down on illegal grazing.
The governor met with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Ekiti and Southwest, rulers and Fulani community this week, and signed a peace pact with the body.
MACBAN promised that its members will abide by the law regulating grazing and co-exist peacefully with farmers and residents.
As part of measures to curb friction, cattle breeders in the state are to register with the rulers of their host communities.
The governor agreed to the proposal that MACBAN members be part of the patrol teams.
The free registration must, however, be done within 14 days, and the names forwarded to the government.
Fayose reiterated that hours allowed for grazing remain 7 am to 6 pm, saying any cow seen outside 6 pm would be seized, and the owner to spend six months in prison.
The governor explained that rulers have been empowered to enforce the law in their domains and allocate lands to herdsmen under a controlled situation.
Fayose said: “I have decided to release these cows to strengthen our union. So, I expect you to comply with the law because after now, if you contravene the law , we will take appropriate sanctions against you”.
“We are not asking for much, just for you to obey our law.The law is not targeted at those who obey the law.You have to register with the traditional ruler of your host community.
“It is you who will inform the monarch of new faces coming to join you or pretending to be herdsmen. Going armed will not be tolerated. No weapon is allowed in Ekiti State for cattle rearing.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Owoseni Ajayi said the law would curb excesses of some cattle farmers.
In his remarks, Southwest leader of MACBAN Alhaji Mohammed Kabir, who said he was born and bred in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said his group had gone round states in the region to sensitise members on the need for peace.
The Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, said the governor spoke the minds of Ekiti people.
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